Growing up with Systemic JA and in an abusive household, I learned that my opinion was not wanted, that my existence was only valued based on what I could do for others. My mother needed me as an emotional extension of herself. Other abusers needed me as a means to an end.

Ms. Meniscus gives advice to a woman living with RA who broke up with her long-time girlfriend, a healthy woman who gave up a lot of physical activity to be with him. Now, she's contemplating getting back together with her ex.

Kirsten Schultz joins the CreakyJoints Blogger lineup, where she will start a conversation about deserving love and pleasure—and feeling good about yourself and your body, despite the things that may be wrong

CJ Blogger Stephanie considers 'Fifty Shades of Grey' and a topic she says deserves more dialogue among RA patients and specialists: Do I even FEEL sexy? How do I achieve such desire and unleashing of passion despite my pain?